January 1, 2010. I’m sitting at a computer that isn’t mine; at a desk, in a house, in a city nowhere near the places I’ve called home. No one else is awake at 7:16 AM, and I can’t go back to sleep. It’s a little chilly in this living room, and I fold my arms and make fists between typing to keep warm. It’s a new year, but it mostly feels like just another tick of the clock. I’ve already started over, reanalyzed, planned. I am beginning to execute. I don’t think I’ve been this excited in a long, long time.

I miss certain things. And people.

2009 was … fun. I mean, I did lose my job, but because that happened, I’m here now. I’m shrugging instead of crying. Look at me now, this is where I’m supposed to be, where I actually want to be.

I may change my tune … to a different key, but only because I probably won’t be able to sing the really high notes, so I’ll just shift them down a half-step or so. Same song, though.

I’m not going to change my mind.

Becoming an American citizen. Having the best summer of my life. Reconnecting with family. Nurturing forever friendships.

It’s been a tremendous year.

***

My biological father texted me on the 30th. I’m on the phone with my dad right now.

Nifty. The usual unpredictability.

2010, looks like you’re not going to disappoint.